With a desire to stay close to friends and family, the owners of this 1984 home spent several years searching for property near their neighborhood to build a new, more modern, energy-conscious home tailored to their empty-nest lifestyle. They eventually concluded that their current site was the perfect location for them, but the home needed to be updated and reorganized to create fresh, open, unified spaces to comfortably welcome gatherings of family, friends, and guests. Before renovation, the floor plan included small rooms, dedicated hallways, a step-down living room, a heavy and dark corner fireplace, and limited opportunities for natural light and visual connections from space to space. Exterior deck areas were narrow, long, and used infrequently. Primary goals of this project included accessibility of space, more natural light, better connectivity between spaces, and a focus on sustainable performance. The updated main floor plan included the selective removal of walls to reallocate dedicated hall space to usable, open living area. The step-down living room was leveled for full accessibility, safety, furniture flexibility and overall space use. The removal of a half-height wall between the living area and the kitchen created continuity between the spaces. Reorganizing the primary entry and stair and eliminating walls between the entry and dining room created new visual connections between the kitchen and the entry. The new central concrete hearth and fireplace provides a strong, modern focal point for the living area. Large sliding glass doors on each side of the fireplace allow the TV area beyond to be separated from the living area as needed. In several strategic locations, the footprint of the house was expanded to enhance function and flow at the kitchen, dining room, and mudroom. The new outdoor deck area is now large and singular and includes a grille area, dining space and open seating overlooking the newly landscaped pool below. The exterior envelope of the house includes new insulation, siding, and energy-efficient windows, as well as two large roof-mounted solar arrays, to increase thermal performance and to offset energy costs. Inside, the new HVAC system maximizes energy efficiency while using a fraction of its former footprint. As a result, a portion of the former mechanical space was added back to the lower level family room area and expands into a cozy library nook. MMA partnered with the owner’s interior designer and kitchen designer to achieve a softer, contemporary palette of finishes that complement this newly configured, light-filled home.

With a desire to stay close to friends and family, the owners of this 1984 home spent several years searching for property near their neighborhood to build a new, more modern, energy-conscious home tailored to their empty-nest lifestyle. They eventually concluded that their current site was the perfect location for them, but the home needed to be updated and reorganized to create fresh, open, unified spaces to comfortably welcome gatherings of family, friends, and guests. Before renovation, the floor plan included small rooms, dedicated hallways, a step-down living room, a heavy and dark corner fireplace, and limited opportunities for natural light and visual connections from space to space. Exterior deck areas were narrow, long, and used infrequently. Primary goals of this project included accessibility of space, more natural light, better connectivity between spaces, and a focus on sustainable performance. The updated main floor plan included the selective removal of walls to reallocate dedicated hall space to usable, open living area. The step-down living room was leveled for full accessibility, safety, furniture flexibility and overall space use. The removal of a half-height wall between the living area and the kitchen created continuity between the spaces. Reorganizing the primary entry and stair and eliminating walls between the entry and dining room created new visual connections between the kitchen and the entry. The new central concrete hearth and fireplace provides a strong, modern focal point for the living area. Large sliding glass doors on each side of the fireplace allow the TV area beyond to be separated from the living area as needed. In several strategic locations, the footprint of the house was expanded to enhance function and flow at the kitchen, dining room, and mudroom. The new outdoor deck area is now large and singular and includes a grille area, dining space and open seating overlooking the newly landscaped pool below. The exterior envelope of the house includes new insulation, siding, and energy-efficient windows, as well as two large roof-mounted solar arrays, to increase thermal performance and to offset energy costs. Inside, the new HVAC system maximizes energy efficiency while using a fraction of its former footprint. As a result, a portion of the former mechanical space was added back to the lower level family room area and expands into a cozy library nook. MMA partnered with the owner’s interior designer and kitchen designer to achieve a softer, contemporary palette of finishes that complement this newly configured, light-filled home.

The Saltbox is clad in 22 guage steel that will turn a reddish brown color as it develops an elegant rust patina over the coming years. An easy-attach accessory system allows accessories such as the kitchen window herb box to be quickly attached to the house exterior without penetration the thermal envelope. Other accessories include decks, awnings, showers, sheds, water catchment and a host of possibilities. Photo by Kate Russell

Nothing says Happy Holidays! like Red and Green lights. This look is simple to achieve and energy efficient with Red and Green LED bulbs. With the addition of pre-lit garland and a wreath on the entry way. The Happy Holiday look can be achieved without fail.

Anlin Catalina windows are designed and engineered to provide beauty, energy efficiency, durability and ease of operation. Anlin Catalina windows exceed Energy Star® requirements and help you save on energy costs year-round.

Staircase - large rustic wooden spiral open staircase idea in San Francisco

The Ridge Residence has been carefully placed on the steeply sloped site to take advantage of the awe-inspiring views. The Glo European Windows A5 Double Pane series was selected for the project to provide cost effective durability and value. Full lite entry doors from the A5 series provide natural daylight and access to the energy efficient home while delivering a much higher performance value than traditional aluminum doors and windows. Large asymmetrical window configurations of fixed and tilt & turn windows provide natural ventilation throughout the home and capture the stunning views across the valley. A variety of exterior siding materials including stucco, dark horizontal wood and vertical ribbed metal are countered with an unembellished Dutch hip roof creating a composition that is both engaging and simplistic. Regardless of season, the Ridge Residence provides comfort, beauty, and breathtaking views of the Montana landscape surrounding it.

The goal was to enlarge the Kitchen, utilize the wasted space in the Family Room and Dining Room and remodel the Fireplace. We strategically removed dividing walls to create an "open plan" and relocated the dining room to the back of the space allowing for a larger, more efficient kitchen and an island with seating and a breakfast eating area. Instead of a down draft , or island hood, we selected a ceiling exhaust system that didn't obstruct the view. Opening up the wall from the entry to the dining area made a clear walkway to the kitchen. The "shiplap" was added to the fireplace and accent wall behind the dining table for texture and interest.

FourWallsPhotography.com
Hallway - traditional hallway idea in Austin

Andersen® 100 Series windows and patio doors are made with our revolutionary Fibrex® composite material, which allows Andersen to offer an uncommon value others can't. It's environmentally responsible and energy-efficient, and it comes in durable colors that are darker and richer than most vinyl windows.

With a desire to stay close to friends and family, the owners of this 1984 home spent several years searching for property near their neighborhood to build a new, more modern, energy-conscious home tailored to their empty-nest lifestyle. They eventually concluded that their current site was the perfect location for them, but the home needed to be updated and reorganized to create fresh, open, unified spaces to comfortably welcome gatherings of family, friends, and guests. Before renovation, the floor plan included small rooms, dedicated hallways, a step-down living room, a heavy and dark corner fireplace, and limited opportunities for natural light and visual connections from space to space. Exterior deck areas were narrow, long, and used infrequently. Primary goals of this project included accessibility of space, more natural light, better connectivity between spaces, and a focus on sustainable performance. The updated main floor plan included the selective removal of walls to reallocate dedicated hall space to usable, open living area. The step-down living room was leveled for full accessibility, safety, furniture flexibility and overall space use. The removal of a half-height wall between the living area and the kitchen created continuity between the spaces. Reorganizing the primary entry and stair and eliminating walls between the entry and dining room created new visual connections between the kitchen and the entry. The new central concrete hearth and fireplace provides a strong, modern focal point for the living area. Large sliding glass doors on each side of the fireplace allow the TV area beyond to be separated from the living area as needed. In several strategic locations, the footprint of the house was expanded to enhance function and flow at the kitchen, dining room, and mudroom. The new outdoor deck area is now large and singular and includes a grille area, dining space and open seating overlooking the newly landscaped pool below. The exterior envelope of the house includes new insulation, siding, and energy-efficient windows, as well as two large roof-mounted solar arrays, to increase thermal performance and to offset energy costs. Inside, the new HVAC system maximizes energy efficiency while using a fraction of its former footprint. As a result, a portion of the former mechanical space was added back to the lower level family room area and expands into a cozy library nook. MMA partnered with the owner’s interior designer and kitchen designer to achieve a softer, contemporary palette of finishes that complement this newly configured, light-filled home.

Glo A7 triple-pane aluminum series was carefully selected for the Elk Ridge Passive House because of their High Solar Heat Gain Coefficient which allows the home to absorb free solar heat, and a low U-value to retain this heat once the sun sets. The A7 windows were an excellent choice for durability and the ability to remain resilient in the harsh winter climate. Glo’s European hardware ensures smooth operation for fresh air and ventilation.

Andersen® 100 Series windows and patio doors are made with our revolutionary Fibrex® composite material, which allows Andersen to offer an uncommon value others can't. It's environmentally responsible and energy-efficient, and it comes in durable colors that are darker and richer than most vinyl windows.

Our homeowners purchased this home for its excellent location and great bones. They were desirous of returning it to the era of it’s time while updating and modernizing it with the elegance it deserved. To add to our challenges, they were living out of the country during our design and renovation, making for great communications utilizing modern technology to ensure we could deliver what they hoped to achieve. We opened some space in the kitchen to create an updated and more functional kitchen for this active family, relocating appliances for efficiency, adding an island and relocating a chimney. We had structural challenges with the sagging hardwood floors, which required us to reframe floor systems, and while we were at it, we antique finished the hardwoods reminiscent of the 1940’s. We added wainscoting in the dining room and entry stair hallway to enhance the old-world look and added some arched openings to match other areas of the home. We also added custom moldings to the fireplace wall to allow it to shine as a focal point in the space, utilizing restored antique light fixtures. The finished result is stunning and truly honors the integrity of the original time period of this home.

This striking modern entry blends dark brick, warm wood accents, and expansive glass to create a bold, welcoming approach. The arched double-door entry adds softness to the strong architectural lines, framed by sleek black trim and a deep covered porch that enhances both style and function. Vertical ribbed siding and clerestory windows elevate the façade with texture and light, while the simple, wide concrete walkway offers an elegant, accessible path to the front door. Surrounded by fresh landscaping and mature trees, this entrance sets the tone for a home defined by thoughtful design, modern luxury, and seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

This light and airy kitchen combines traditional accents with transitional ones. Black honed granite counter tops are balanced by dark accents through out the space like the slat-back island stools, lantern pendant fixtures above, and bronze hardware on doors. The light stone on the kitchen island work beautifully with white cabinets, Nickel pulls, and Nickel plumbing fixtures. The kitchen's honed stone counter top is repeated at the pass-through to the dining room. The counter top is supported by curvy decorative brackets that are a great balance to the rectilinear characteristics of the shaker style kitchen cabinets. Architectural millwork and column at Dining Room entry add a traditional element to this relaxed space. The combinations of all these finishes bring personalty and warmth to the home. Photos by Alicia's Art, LLC RUDLOFF Custom Builders, is a residential construction company that connects with clients early in the design phase to ensure every detail of your project is captured just as you imagined. RUDLOFF Custom Builders will create the project of your dreams that is executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsman, while creating lifetime client relationships that are build on trust and integrity. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area including West Chester, Gladwynne, Malvern, Wayne, Haverford and more. As a 6 time Best of Houzz winner, we look forward to working with you on your next project.

Glass Front Doors, Entry Doors that Make a Statement! Your front door is your home's initial focal point and glass doors by Sans Soucie with frosted, etched glass designs create a unique, custom effect while providing privacy AND light thru exquisite, quality designs! Available any size, all glass front doors are custom made to order and ship worldwide at reasonable prices. Exterior entry door glass will be tempered, dual pane (an equally efficient single 1/2" thick pane is used in our fiberglass doors). Selling both the glass inserts for front doors as well as entry doors with glass, Sans Soucie art glass doors are available in 8 woods and Plastpro fiberglass in both smooth surface or a grain texture, as a slab door or prehung in the jamb - any size. From simple frosted glass effects to our more extravagant 3D sculpture carved, painted and stained glass .. and everything in between, Sans Soucie designs are sandblasted different ways creating not only different effects, but different price levels. The "same design, done different" - with no limit to design, there's something for every decor, any style. The privacy you need is created without sacrificing sunlight! Price will vary by design complexity and type of effect: Specialty Glass and Frosted Glass. Inside our fun, easy to use online Glass and Entry Door Designer, you'll get instant pricing on everything as YOU customize your door and glass! When you're all finished designing, you can place your order online! We're here to answer any questions you have so please call (877) 331-339 to speak to a knowledgeable representative! Doors ship worldwide at reasonable prices from Palm Desert, California with delivery time ranges between 3-8 weeks depending on door material and glass effect selected. (Doug Fir or Fiberglass in Frosted Effects allow 3 weeks, Specialty Woods and Glass [2D, 3D, Leaded] will require approx. 8 weeks).

Homeowner’s kitchen with reduced glare while maintaining the natural light Photo Courtesy of Eastman
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in Atlanta with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Andersen® 100 Series windows and patio doors are made with our revolutionary Fibrex® composite material, which allows Andersen to offer an uncommon value others can't. It's environmentally responsible and energy-efficient, and it comes in durable colors that are darker and richer than most vinyl windows.